For years, I've harbored a dream of crafting recipes infused with the magic of medicinal herbs. It's a passion rooted in my own experiences—I'm the type who drifts into slumber as soon as my head touches the pillow. However, my partner grapples with insomnia, a struggle that led us to a nightly ritual of drinking a cup of warm Sleepy Time Tea by Celestial Herbs before bed. While studying botanical medicine during medical school, I began making my own Sleepy Time tea, which I called Sweet Dreams. Amidst our shared love for all things sweet, I pondered the possibility of creating a treat that was not only tasty, but also helped calm our bodies in preparation for rest.
One night as I sipped my cup of Sweet Dreams tea, I realized I was drinking the flavors I needed for this creation. Later, as I read one of my books on Naturopathic Medicine, I was reminded that sour cherries are a source of natural melatonin. Thus, began an experimental journey that melded culinary creativity with herbal wisdom, culminating in a creation that exceeded my wildest dreams—a delightful confection I fondly call Sweet Dreams Shortbread.
As I enjoy every bite of Sweet Dreams Shortbread, I can't help but feel excited to share this recipe with you. It's a wonderful blend of culinary artistry and herbal alchemy, showcasing the transformative power of intention and the sheer joy of sharing moments of bliss with those we love.
So, I hope you indulge in these heavenly treats and that they not only tantalize your taste buds but also create a sense of calm and relaxation and help usher in sweet dreams and peaceful nights. Cheers to culinary magic and the enchanting journey of crafting recipes that nourish both body and soul!
Ingredients:
1 cup butter (room temperature)
3/4 cup sugar
1 tsp salt
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
2 tsp lavender
2 tsp passiflora (passionflower)
2 tsp lemon balm
2 tsp chamomile
1 tsp valerian
1/2 cup dried sour cherry (diced into small pieces)
6 oz white chocolate melts
Directions:
Cream together butter, sugar, and salt until smooth and fluffy.
Add vanilla extract and mix until well combined.
Grind the lavender, passiflora, lemon balm, chamomile, and valerian to a fine powder. You can sift out any larger pieces or stems for a smoother texture.
Add the powdered herbs to the creamed mixture and blend until evenly distributed.
Gradually add flour until just combined. Be careful not to overmix.
Fold in the dried sour cherries until evenly distributed throughout the dough, which should resemble soft damp sand.
Shape the dough into a disc on a clean surface and roll it out to about 3/4 inch thickness. Use plastic wrap to cover the counter for easier rolling.
Wrap the dough in plastic wrap and chill it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
Preheat the oven and use a cookie cutter or mason jar ring to cut out circles of approximately 2.75 inches in diameter.
Bake the shortbread in the preheated oven for 12-14 minutes or until golden brown.
Remove from the oven and transfer the cookies to a cooling rack.
Melt the white chocolate using a double boiler method.
Dip each shortbread cookie into the melted white chocolate, turning slightly to create a crescent moon shape on one side.
Optional: Roll the edges of the white chocolate-dipped shortbread in lavender-infused sugar for an extra touch of flavor and aroma.
Allow the white chocolate to harden before indulging in these heavenly treats.
Wondering about the medicinal properties of the herbs used?
Lavender:
Medicinal Properties: Lavender is known for its calming and stress-relieving effects. It can promote relaxation and improve sleep quality.
Traditional Uses: Used in aromatherapy and herbal remedies for anxiety, insomnia, and relaxation.
Science Speaks: Lavender contains compounds like linalool and linalyl acetate, which have sedative effects on the central nervous system.
Passiflora (Passionflower):
Medicinal Properties: Passiflora is prized for its tranquilizing and sleep-inducing properties. It can reduce anxiety and promote restful sleep.
Traditional Uses: Used as a natural remedy for insomnia, nervousness, and anxiety.
Science Speaks: Passiflora contains flavonoids like chrysin, which have anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects and can modulate GABA receptors in the brain, promoting relaxation.
Lemon Balm:
Medicinal Properties: Lemon balm has calming and mood-enhancing effects. It can reduce stress and improve cognitive function.
Traditional Uses: Used to alleviate anxiety, promote sleep, and enhance mood.
Science Speaks: Lemon balm contains compounds like rosmarinic acid and eugenol, which have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, benefiting overall brain health.
Chamomile:
Medicinal Properties: Chamomile is renowned for its soothing and sleep-promoting properties. It can relieve anxiety and aid digestion.
Traditional Uses: Used as a gentle sedative, digestive aid, and stress reliever.
Science Speaks: Chamomile contains apigenin, a flavonoid with sedative effects that binds to benzodiazepine receptors, promoting relaxation and sleep.
Valerian:
Medicinal Properties: Valerian is a potent herb for improving sleep quality and reducing insomnia. It can also calm anxiety and nervousness.
Traditional Uses: Used as a sleep aid, anxiety reducer, and muscle relaxant.
Science Speaks: Valerian contains valerenic acid, which enhances GABA activity in the brain, exerting sedative and anxiolytic effects.
By infusing these herbs into our Sweet Dreams Shortbread, we not only tantalize our taste buds but also nurture our well-being with nature's gifts. Pair these delectable treats with Sleepy Time Tea by Celestial Herbs for a truly relaxing and rejuvenating experience.
Indulge in the magic of herbal goodness with every bite of our Sweet Dreams Shortbread. May your nights be peaceful and your dreams be sweet. Enjoy!
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